Beason says he's representing himself in free agency

By John Fennelly | Mar 6, 2014 | 6:48PM

Giants' free-agent LB Jon Beason has informed the world that he'll be representing himself in any upcoming contract negotiations.

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/441676378266939392

From Pro Football Talk:

Veteran linebacker Jon Beason is going to save himself 3 percent on his next deal.But he’s costing himself three days in the process....as a result, teams other than the Giants can’t talk to him until Tuesday, taking him out of the three-day legal tampering window.

Giants' GM Jerry Reese said all of the team's UFAs "deserved" an opportunity to test the free agent market. Many insiders felt that Beason would be the exception in that group and the team would try to lock him up before the deadline. Doesn't look like that will happen, however.

9 of the most underappreciated Giants moments and players

These may not be the first Big Blue moments that come to mind, but they're terrific nonetheless

By Mike Wallace and Alex Smith | Jun 6 | 10:21AM

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En route to another Super Bowl in 2000, Jason Sehorn made one of the finest defensive plays in Giants history, picking off Donovan McNabb and taking it 32 yards for a touchdown that put the G-Men up, 17-0. Big Blue held on for a 20-10 win. (AP)

The Giants have had some incredible players and some incredible moments in their illustrious history.

Whether it's Eli Manning finding David Tyree or Mario Manningham with a huge, clutch throw in the Super Bowl, or Michael Strahan setting the single-season sack record, there have been plenty of "Wow!" moments.

But there are also some big-time moments (and players) that just aren't talked about as much as those Super Bowl or record-setting plays.

So here's a look at some of the best Giants moments and players that are still a bit underappreciated...

Giants hold team meeting, discuss racism and ongoing protests: report

Plus, how Joe Judge has reportedly handled the situation

By Amara Grautski | Jun 6 | 11:17AM

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MetLife Stadium, home of the Giants. (Treated Image by SNY)

The Giants have had ongoing discussions about the widespread protests over racial injustice and police brutality, and further delved into the topic during a team meeting on Friday, according to ESPN's Jordan Raanan.

Several players reportedly raved about head coach Joe Judge, who addressed the issue with Big Blue on Monday and had "a genuine understanding of the situation," ESPN said.

The Giants had released a statement earlier this week about "George Floyd's senseless death," and Friday evening NFL commissioner Roger Goodell admitted the league was wrong not to listen to players earlier and encourage their peaceful protests (a movement started by Colin Kaepernick, though he is not mentioned in Goodell's video).

With most major cities in the United States protesting police brutality and racial injustice over the last week and a half after the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, former Giants QB Eli Manning spoke about the situation on Friday.

"Recently, we came together with current/former Giants & the larger NY community to help those suffering with poverty due to the pandemic," Manning tweeted on Friday. "Now, it's time for all of us to come together again to listen, learn & address the ongoing and systematic issues and injustice in the U.S."

'What if I was George Floyd?'

By Alex Smith | Jun 4 | 9:49PM

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Giants running back Saquon Barkley and Jets safety Jamal Adams joined former Giant Odell Beckham Jr. and a number of other NFL players in a video speaking out against police brutality and racial injustice after the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor.

The players call for the NFL to take a firmer stance on these issues, asking the league to state that it "condemns racism and the systematic oppression of black people" and that the league admits wrong for "silencing players from peacefully protesting."

John Mara and Dave Gettleman are already back in the office

By Alex Smith | Jun 4 | 8:14PM

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MetLife Stadium, home of the Giants. (Treated Image by SNY)

As the Giants begin reopening the Quest Diagnostics Training Center, the team has shared photos and a video of the changes that have been made to safely bring employees back to the office under New Jersey coronavirus guidelines.

As of Thursday, the Giants have about 15-20 employees, including team president John Mara and general manager Dave Gettleman, back in the office. But a new memo sent of by the league will allow up to 100 employees, including coaching staffs, to return to their offices starting Friday.

Even with the NFL expanding capacity limitations to 100 people, the Giants will continue to have all employees who can work from home still doing so.

Giants GM Dave Gettleman knew he had holes this offseason, as New York had set another season below .500. And he did a pretty good job filling a bunch of them, both in free agency and the 2020 NFL Draft.

It should lead to some Giants having big seasons on the stat sheet.

In a tough NFC East that got even better with their roster additions, too, Big Blue will be hoping players step up this year. The Cowboys added CeeDee Lamb to an already-stellar wideout group led by Amari Cooper. The Eagles also added some speedy wide receivers and secondary help, while the Redskins filled holes as well.

SEE IT: Giants' Saquon Barkley posts special jersey in response to death of George Floyd

Barkley reposted a photoshopped jersey that read 'I Can't Breathe'

Giants RB Saquon Barkley didn't need words to voice his frustrations over the killing of George Floyd following his arrest by a Minneapolis police officer. Instead, he used a picture on his Instagram story to talk for him.

Reposting a photoshopped picture done by graphic designer Kyle Cyr, Barkley has on a jersey that reads "I can't breathe," a phrase that was repeatedly said by Floyd as police officer Derek Chauvin was prone with his knee of his neck for roughly nine minutes.

The current trio of Tate, Shepard and Slayton has flaws to the Super Bowl champ

Ex-New York Giants' Amani Toomer waves before the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009, in New York. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams) (Henny Ray Abrams/AP)

Former Giants WR Amani Toomer, the franchise's record holder in career receptions, isn't a big fan of the current wide receivers the team has on its roster.

Giants share thoughts on death of George Floyd, explain how they will help enact change

'...the type of tragedy we have seen too often for far too long'

Oct 15, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of a New York Giants helmet on the turf before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports (Isaiah J. Downing)

The Giants have released a statement following the death of George Floyd after his arrest by a Minnesota police officer. It was a "senseless" act, and one that players and coaches had very strong emotions about this past week.

In 2014, Sapp said Strahan didn't deserve a gold jacket

By SNY Newsdesk | Jun 2 | 1:00PM

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Time Machine Tuesday returns to January 2014, when Giants great Michael Strahan was asked to respond to comments made by Warren Sapp, who claimed that Strahan did not deserve to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Being one of the best to ever play the quarterback position and someone who will be in Canton very soon, Peyton Manning is called upon even in retirement to address teams across the NFL. He has loads of wisdom to share with current players, and he is more than willing to pass that down.

But during these times when coronavirus has been impacting the normalcy of NFL's offseason training leading up to the new season, Manning isn't just relying on his own tricks of the trade.

He's dipping in to what he's learned from his brother: Giants legendary QB Eli Manning.

New York Giants All-Time Team: A look at the roster

Some clear-cut choices, and maybe a few surprises

By Alex Smith | Jun 1 | 9:42AM

The Giants are one of the most storied and respected franchises in all of professional sports.

Established all the way back in 1925, Big Blue has touted some incredible talents during the franchise's nearly century-long existence.

But if you had to put together just one all-time Giants team, who would make the cut?

Here's our look at a possible starting lineup (with some honorable mentions as well) consisting of the best players in Giants history, many of whom are in the team's Ring of Honor and/or in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton …

Why NFL Hall of Famers are calling this Giants rookie 'the sleeper in the draft'

UCLA's Darnay Holmes has some pretty valid backing in the NFL community

Every NFL team does its research on prospects heading into the NFL Draft. They want to hear from coaches, players and anyone else what kind of player and person that prospect is before they make a call about whether or not to draft them.

For the Giants fourth-round pick CB Darnay Holmes, he has more than just coaches in his corner.

He has NFL royalty.

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Amani Toomer, other Giants look back on once-promising 2008 season: 'I think that was the best team we had'

Plaxico Burress' arrest helped turn the tide

By Alex Smith | May 30 | 8:48PM

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Oct 22, 2016; London, United Kingdom; New York Giants former receiver Amani Toomer speaks during NFL Fan Rally at the Victoria House prior to game 16 of the NFL International Series against the Los Angeles Rams. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports (Kirby Lee)

From 2007-11, the Giants had two Super Bowl-winning teams in five seasons. In 2007, they upended the previously undefeated New England Patriots in the Super Bowl, and they went on to take down the Patriots again on the tail end of that stretch to capture another Lombardi Trophy.

But as good as those two teams were, there are former Giants who believe neither of those two squads were the best all-around units the Giants had during their latest Super Bowl era.

Here's where the Giants land on ESPN's Football Power Index for 2020 season

Big Blue finds itself at the bottom of the pack

ESPN released its annual "Football Power Index" for the first time ahead of the 2020 NFL season. It accounts for everything from Vegas Sportbooks' win totals for each team, last season's stats and much more.

Well, after running through the calculations, Giants fans won't really like where they see their team sitting on the FPI before the start of training camp.

New York currently comes in at 26, and that's not all. They also have a 12 percent chance of reaching the playoffs this year -- and that's with an extra spot for each conference. Also, the Giants are projected to win 6.1 games this season.

Eli has been rooting for his brother Peyton and Tiger Woods vs. Tom Brady and Phil Mickelson

Eli Manning has recently joined the Twitterverse, and has been an absolute hit right away with his hilarious tweets. But nothing to date compares to what he's been tweeting on Sunday during "Capital One's The Match: Champions for Charity."

Manning's brother, Peyton, has been playing in a golf match with Tiger Woods against Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady for coronavirus relief, and the entire world is taking the time to watch and donate to a great cause during Memorial Day weekend. Eli is definitely having fun doing so, rooting on his brother and taking shots at his playoff rival in Brady.

'I may have won more of the big money than he has'

Oct 1, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; National Football League Hall of Fame player Lawrence Taylor talks with fans on the field before the game between his former team the New York Giants and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports (Jonathan Dyer)

The Last Dance documentary about Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls showed some sides of the legendary basketball player that we might not have known otherwise, with His Airness addressing some of the narratives that were all over the news during his playing days -- good and bad.

One of the bad storylines was his supposed gambling addiction that he tried to nip in the bud, but never had success doing so. Jordan's competitive nature would involve money at times whether it be playing cards with teammates on the plane, or on the golf course -- another big hobby for him outside of basketball.

Well, Giants legendary linebacker Lawrence Taylor knows a thing or two about that side of Jordan on the links from their high-stakes golf matches in the past.

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Here's where Giants' Eli Manning ranks among No. 1 NFL Draft picks of last 20 years

There have been some great picks, but Manning's career is second to none

With the 2020 NFL Draft behind us, CBS Sports decided to rank the No. 1 overall picks of the last 20 years. And Giants fans will love to see who's at the top of the list.

Eli Manning was atop the throne, coming in as the best first overall draft choice in the 21st century.

There are some great No. 1 picks who could rival Manning here, but with two Super Bowl MVP's under his belt to go along with other accolades like seventh all-time in passing yards and his 210 consecutive starts that sits third-best in NFL history, it's hard to argue against his ranking.

Analyzing 5 players who could make or break the Giants' 2020 season

Daniel Jones is an obvious candidate, but some fresh faces make the list

The Giants find themselves with an upgraded roster heading into the 2020 season. GM Dave Gettleman made necessary changes via free agency and the NFL Draft that should have a big effect when the regular season rolls around.

But there are a few players that stand out above the rest. It isn't just because of their talent, but more importantly, because their production will impact the team in a positive -- or negative -- way. Make or break, if you will.

By Alex Smith | May 19 | 5:24PM

Shortly after Baker pleaded not guilty to all eight of his charges - four counts of aggravated assault and four counts of armed robbery-the second-year cornerback added three videos to his Instagram story, which showed him working out outdoors in South Florida.

Former Giant Bennie Fowler tells story of when he knew Daniel Jones would be great

After his first loss in Week 5, Jones hit up Fowler to get late-night work in

Aug 8, 2019; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Bennie Fowler (18) celebrates with quarterback Daniel Jones (8) after catching a touchdown pass against the New York Jets during the first quarter of a preseason game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports (Dennis Schneidler)

After his rookie season, the Giants believe that Daniel Jones is their quarterback of the future. Despite having an up-and-down season, one could say some flashes of greatness were seen from the Duke product.

But there was one moment off the field last season that told former Giants WR Bennie Fowler that Jones truly wanted to be great.

Fowler recounted that moment during his The Quiet Time Podcast where Jones was the latest special guest. It was Week 5 against the Vikings and Jones suffered his first loss as a starter for Big Blue. He threw for only 185 yards with one touchdown and one interception, as one of the best defenses in the league shut him down.

The NFL is already taking precautions in case the coronavirus pandemic impacts the 2020-21 season. It's become an obvious concern because football is a contact sport that can't practice social distancing while on the field.

Well, the league has been experimenting with a solution to that by partnering with Oakley to develop special facemasks using surgical or N95 material. Thom Mayer, the NFLPA's medical director told ESPN's Adam Schefter during his podcast on Monday about the collaboration.

"Back in early March, I had suggested that we should consider novel and emerging ways to handle the helmets and the facemasks and the spread of the virus," Mayer said. "And these guys, the bioengineers that we use and that the league uses -- Oakley, as you may or may not know, does all the face visors for the league under contract -- these guys got the bit between their teeth."

Attorney Patrick G. Patel to SNY: 'He's got an opportunity to become the next Ray Lewis and not the next Ray Rice'

DeAndre Baker's attorney believes the Giants cornerback is the victim of a "shakedown" and is being accused of a crime he did not commit. But he also believes Baker has been "scared straight" by this brush with the law, and will come out of this a better man than he was before.

"He's got an opportunity to become the next Ray Lewis and not the next Ray Rice," attorney Patrick G. Patel said in an exclusive interview with SNY late Sunday night. "There's two guys who went in two different directions. I told DeAndre that. And he seems very focused. He's scared straight. I can say that."

The 22-year-old Baker has a long way to go, of course, before anyone sees whether he can reclaim his NFL career as Lewis once did after being accused of murder, or if his career will end the way Rice's did after he was arrested for domestic assault. First, Baker has to deal with the four counts of armed robbery and four counts of aggravated assault that he was charged with in Broward County, Fla., after an incident on Wednesday night.

Giants CB DeAndre Baker was told to stay away from the meetings so he can "focus on his legal issues" after being released from jail on bond, a source familiar with the team's thinking told SNY's Ralph Vacchiano.

Baker, who is facing four charges of armed robbery and four charges of aggravated assault, was released on bond at $200,000 ($25,000 on each count), after a ruling by a Florida judge on Sunday morning.

As conditions of his release, Baker will be required to surrender his carry permit and firearm. Additionally, he will not be allowed to have any contact with the alleged victims in the case. The state asked for no bond.

NFL and legal sources weigh in on next steps concerning Giants' DeAndre Baker

The Big Blue corner turned himself in to police on Saturday

DeAndre Baker is in a lot of trouble and is facing an uncertain future, to say the least. His NFL career is obviously hanging by a thread. His freedom is in serious jeopardy, too.

The announcement by the Miramar (Fla.) Police Department on Thursday that they had issued an arrest warrant for the Giants cornerback was just the beginning of what could be a long and painful process for the 22-year-old former first-round pick, who turned himself in to police on Saturday morning.

Here, with the help of some legal and NFL sources, is a look at what Baker is facing and what comes next:

By Alex Smith | May 15 | 10:23PM

DeAndre Baker's lawyer issued a statement via his Instagram account on Friday evening, saying he believes the Giants cornerback is "innocent of any charges."

"We understand that the officers can only base warrants on what was told to them at the time. We have had affidavits from several witnesses that also dispute the allegations and exculpate our client," attorney Bradford Cohen said in an Instagram post about Baker. "Our investigator has had them for some time. We would have rather presented them to the court at the proper time, rather than in the media, but in this day and age, people rush to judgement.

"Where some seek publicity, we seek justice. I look forward to moving this case forward to proper conclusion, as we believe our client is innocent of any charges."

Giants Mailbag: Chances Big Blue adds a big name before the season

Plus, why moving Engram to WR doesn't make sense

Some more questions, and some more answers, in the latest edition of my SNY Giants mailbag:

Did you hear anything about the Giants trying to get Warford, Clowney, Ngakoue or anybody on the free agent market? -- @sld150

Sure, let's start with all the big names. And the answers are no, no, no, and not really.

I get that everyone loves the big names and wants their team to throw their money around. And sure, guard Larry Warford, edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, or edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue would make the Giants better. But at what cost? Worford reportedly wants a contract worth more than $7 million per year? Clowney was seeking $18 million per year at last check. And Ngakoue is going to want well over $100 million in a long-term contract, and that's after trading for him which probably will cost at least the Giants' first-round pick in 2021, plus a lot more.

There is likely a long way to go before this DeAndre Baker mess plays out, but there's no doubt he is in a whole lot of trouble. The crimes he's accused of -- four counts of armed robbery, four counts of aggravated assault -- are serious. In Florida, armed robbery with a semiautomatic weapon carries a minimum sentence of 15 years in jail per count.

And even if he pleads his way down from that and doesn't spend the next 60 years in prison, an NFL suspension surely looms.

It's always hard to predict the time frame of how the legal process will play out or when the NFL will weigh in, but given the awful details in the arrest warrant that was released on Thursday night -- such as witnesses saying Baker ordered an accomplice to shoot his robbery victims -- it's hard to imagine the NFL will let him back on the field anytime soon, if ever. Even if they don't suspend him right away, he seems likely to land on the "Commissioner's exempt list" at the start of the year.

Judge has preached the importance of a 'winning culture'

Every coach talks about the character of his players and, more importantly, the culture of his locker room, and Joe Judge has been no exception. Actually, what the new Giants coach said he wants to build is a "winning culture." Pro sports teams want the best players, not necessarily the best men.

Still, there are moments when the player intersects with the man and the results are frightening for everyone. When that happens, it can put the most well-intentioned coach to the test. Such was the case on Thursday night with Giants cornerback DeAndre Baker, when news broke that a warrant had been issued for his arrest in Miramar, Fla., for four counts of armed robbery and four counts of aggravated assault with a firearm. He and Seahawks cornerback Quinton Dunbar allegedly robbed four people of thousands of dollars in cash and expensive watches.

By Alex Smith | May 14 | 7:41PM

An arrest warrant has been issued for Giants cornerback DeAndre Baker.

Baker is facing four charges of armed robbery and four charges of aggravated assault, stemming from an incident at a party in Florida on late Wednesday/early Thursday.

Per the warrant, Baker and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Quinton Dunbar (who is also facing four counts of armed robbery), were partying in Miramar, Fla. on Wednesday when an argument broke out. Pointing a semi-automatic weapon, Baker allegedly directed Dunbar and two others to take money and valuables from the others in attendance.

Lemieux's No. 66 pays homage to NHL great Mario Lemieux

Oct 15, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of a New York Giants helmet on the turf before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports (Isaiah J. Downing)

The Giants rookies have been given their jersey numbers for the 2020 NFL season, and while most of them have no meaning, fifth-round pick Shane Lemieux's number is an ode to one of the best to ever play... in the NHL.

Coming out of Oregon, Lemieux is the first player drafted to ever sport his last name in the NFL. So it was only right that the Giants gave him No. 66 to honor NHL Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux. The Pittsburgh Penguins legend is extremely famous for his No. 66 sweater while on the ice.

Other than Lemieux, first-round choice Andrew Thomas will be donning No. 78 to start off his career. There's no real history behind the number with Greg Bishop having played tackle for the Giants as well from 1995-98. Also, second-round pick Xavier McKinney will be wearing No. 29.

'I think guys are really picking up the system'

By Alex Smith | May 13 | 9:24PM

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Compared to this time last year, this is a very different offseason for Giants quarterback Daniel Jones.

For one thing, Jones is now established as the Giants' full-time starter after taking over for the now-retired Eli Manning. Combine that with the fact that the 22-year-old has to learn a completely new offense, while doing so remotely for now amid the coronavirus pandemic, and there's certainly a lot on the Duke product's plate.

But Jones, speaking to reporters via a Zoom call on Wednesday, explained that he's doing all that he can to take things in stride as he learns new offensive coordinator Jason Garrett's system.

These Zoom meetings that NFL teams are going through can be stressful. It's an entirely different way of learning.

But for someone as competitive as Giants RB Saquon Barkley, it's an opportunity to challenge himself. And that isn't by just learning the new playbook under offensive coordinator Jason Garrett.

Barkley took initiative last season to become a leader in the locker room despite it only being his second year in the league. He proved his worth as the Offensive Rookie of the Year who quickly became the focal point of the Giants' offense.

With Manning retired, Jones can ease himself into a bigger leadership role

Daniel Jones is not quite ready to say the Giants are his team, especially since his new coach wouldn't even say his name publicly for the first four months. But the reality is, it became his team the moment that Eli Manning retired.

Even Manning admitted as much when he said on the radio last week that it should be "easier this year for (Jones) to step up as that leader. Last year, it was probably awkward for him (with) me being there."

'We're going to be a team that focuses a lot on game plans'

By Alex Smith | May 12 | 10:19PM

Joe Judge's first offseason as Giants head coach has coincided with perhaps the most unique offseason the NFL has ever endured.

As the cononavirus pandemic continues to keep team facilities closed, Judge and his brand new coaching staff must do their best to teach and get to know their players remotely via video meetings.

Judge is tasked with implementing a brand new scheme, as well as a new culture, to this Giants team, and while there hasn't been any in-person instruction yet, Judge and company are teaching the foundation of each side of the football as best they can.

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Giants' training camp will likely be in New Jersey or nowhere at all

Contingencies are being made, but Joe Judge sees problems with other options

Joe Judge is still holding out hope that Giants training camp will begin on time in late July at the team's facility in East Rutherford, N.J. But the longer this pandemic goes on, the less certain that seems.

So yes, contingency plans are being investigated.

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Giants' Joe Judge after rookie minicamp: 'I am very pleased with how they have been working'

Giants head coach Joe Judge didn't have this in mind for his first rookie minicamp in his new position in New York, but the video conferencing that occurred last week for the team went much better than expected.

All draft picks for the Giants were introduced to the organization in every way except stepping foot in the East Rutherford, N.J. facility. Still, Judge and his coaches got a great feel for how the rookies have been working while getting acclimated to their new NFL life -- even if it isn't the exact way they dreamed it would be.

"I am very pleased with how they have been working," Judge said on MSG 150 at Home. "We had our rookie minicamp last week, which was really our first exposure as an entire organization to them and them to us in terms of laying out our expectations and what we're going to demand from them."

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NFC East Predictions: How NFL scouts see Giants stacking up against division rivals in 2020

'Dave Gettleman is finally making all the right moves to rebuild that franchise'

The offseason roster-building is over, for the most part. What you currently see with your favorite NFL team is likely what you're going to get.

So what will you get in the NFC East in 2020? And how do the Giants stack up?

Here, with the help of some NFL sources, is a look at what and how those teams did, and what their outlook is for the (hopefully) upcoming season. They are listed in my projected order of finish in the NFC East: